Railway hopper car structure and assembly

ABSTRACT

A railway hopper car end structure and method of assembly is disclosed. The end structure includes a bolster assembly having a bottom plate extending transversely between the side sills and an upper arcuate wrap sheet secured at the opposite side sheets and at the inclined slope sheet. Diagonal gusset plates and vertical web plates extend between the wrap and bottom sheets to strengthen the bolster assembly. The bolster assembly carries a conventional center sill and center plate assembly. A plurality of generally semi-circular diaphragm plates extend transversely between the wrap sheet and the slope sheet at locations above the car axis and center plate to structurally stiffen the car body. The method of assembly consists of forming a sub-assembly including the bolster assembly, slope sheet and diaphragm plates and joining the sub-assembly to another sub-assembly including the side sills and intermediate bulkheads to permit alignment of the car during fabrication. The top and side sheets are then joined to one another and to the side sill and end structures to enclose the hopper car.

United States Patent [1 1 Martin Oct. 28, 1975 RAILWAY HOPPER CAR STRUCTURE AND ASSEMBLY Richard Ace Martin, 204 Nottingham, Irving, Tex. 75061 [76] Inventor:

[62] Division of Ser. No. 335,439, Feb. 26, 1973, Pat. A

[52] US. Cl 29/469; 29/428 [51] Int. Cl. B23D 21/00 [58] Field of Search 29/464, 465, 466, 467, 29/468, 469, 428; 105/247, 248, 249, 253, 358, 360

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 673,103 4/1901 Williamson etal. 105/248 2,619,045 1 1/1952 Dean 29/469 3,339,499 9/1967 Charles at al 105/248 3,470,829 10/1969 Szala 105/248 3,475,809 11/1969 Brown 29/469 3,479,724 1 H1969 Kruizenba et al 29/469 3,487,532 1/1970 Phillips 29/469 3,490,387 1/1970 Halcomb 105/248 3,605,634 9/1971 Johnson 105/248 3,713,399 1/1973 Bembridge et a1 105/358 Primary Examiner-C. W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-James R. Duzan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hubbard, Thurman, Turner & Tucker [57] ABSTRACT 7 A railway hopper c'ar end structure and method of assembly is disclosed.- The end structure includes a bolster assembly having a bottom plate extending transversely between the side sills and an upper arcuate wrap sheet secured at the opposite side sheets and at the inclined slope sheet. Diagonal gusset plates and verticalweb plates extend between the wrap and bottom sheets to strengthen the bolster assembly. The bolster assembly carries a conventional center sill and center plate assembly. A plurality of generally semicircular diaphragm plates extend transversely between the wrap sheet and the slope sheet at locations above the car axis and center plate to structurally stiffen the car body. The method of assembly consists of forming a sub-assembly including the bolster assembly, slope sheet and diaphragm plates and joining the subassembly to another sub-assembly including the side sills and intermediate bulkheads to permit alignment of the car during fabrication. The top and side sheets are then joined to one another and to the side sill and 7 end structures to enclose the hopper car.

4 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 1 of4 3,914,847

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 sheet 2 0M 3,914,847

FIG. 2

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet3 of4 3,914,847

Sheet 4 of 4 US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 RAILWAY HOPPER cAR STRUCTURE AND ASSEMBLY This is a division of application Ser. No. 335,439, filed Feb. 26, 1973, now US. Pat. No. 3,844,229.

The present invention relates to a railroad hopper car, and more particularly relates to an end structure for supporting the overhanging end hopper portions at the inclined slope sheet at opposite ends of the car.

Railway hopper cars are generally constructed having a series of adjacent hopper compartments defined by arcuate or curved side sheets and subdivided internally by bulkheads having an inclined portion. Slope sheets are provided at opposite car ends. Bottom hopper outlet adapters are arranged beneath the car for the discharge of material from the compartments. The outlet adapters are located so that the inclined bottom portions of the individual compartments funnel the material into the discharge opening. An end support structure is secured to the end slope sheets at opposite ends of the car. The end structure serves to support the hopper car construction and to receive the draft gear and coupler structure. The end structure is designed to withstand buff and impact loads exerted at the coupler during operation of the hopper car.

A conventional end structure is shown, for example, in US. Pat. No. 3,339,499. This patent discloses a covered hopper railway car having a bolster assembly extending between theside sills at either end of the car near the bottom of the sloped sheet. The bolster assembly includes a lower cover plate and an upper generally horizontal shear plate. An end or center sill assembly receives a draft gear and coupler structure. A pair of diagonal end struts or gussets extend between the shear plate and the end sheet, converging inwardly from the end sheet to the shear plate.

Various modifications to this prior art structure are also known. For example, US. Pat. No. 3,490,387 shows a covered hopper car construction utilizing diagonal struts or gussets as described above and further shows the use of a substantially vertical transverse web member extending between the end slope sheet and center sill structure inward of the diagonal gussets. This design is claimed to enable the end structure to be reduced in size and weight to provide a more lightweight and economical construction.

The present invention provides a hopper car end structure which structurally serves to stiffen and support the hopper car body to resist loadings due to impact and buff forces. The end structure of the present invention is simple compared to previous designs and provides substantial economies of fabrication and construction over the prior art designs discussed above. The end structure of the present invention lends itself to modular construction techniques permitting the end structure to be fabricated as a sub-assembly apart from the hopper car body on separate jigs. The completed sub-assembly may then be secured to the hopper car construction. The construction of the end assembly permits adjustment and alignment at the time of attachment of the end assembly to the hopper so that height of the car may be varied to maintain vertical tolerances. Further, the construction of the end support structure is simple, requiring few parts and is easily attachable to the hopper end sloped sheets by welding.

The end structure of the present invention comprehends a bolster assembly defined by a bottom plate and a generally arcuate cover plate extending between the car body side sheets. A draft sill assembly is supported in the bolster assembly. A series of vertical; transversely extending diaphragm plates are secured to the upper cover plate and are affixed at their upper ends to the associated inclined sloped sheet. The present invention also includes a method ofcar assembly. The entire end support structure including the slope sheet may be fabricated as a sub-assembly apart from the hopper car and then secured to the side sill by welding. The separate modular construction of the sub-assembly permits alignment of the car body at the time of attachment.

The present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following specification, claims and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hopper car, partly broken away, illustrating the end structure of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of one end of a hopper car of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hopper car taken along lines 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view illustrating the attachment of the side sill to the side sheet;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of the attachment of the side sheet to the top sheet at the top sill; and

FIGS. 8 to 10 represent the steps in the method of construction of the hopper car of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 to 7, the numeral 10 generally designates a covered hopper car having a body including opposite arcuate side sheets 11 joined at top sill structure 32 to curved top sheet 12. As seen in FIG. 7, the top sill structure 32 is in the form of a closed section defined by upper curved extension of side sheet 11 lapping portion 53 of top sheet 12 extending longitudinally along the car interior. Intermediate hopper compartments, designated by the numeral 13, are defined between the side sheets 11 and by vertical partitions or bulkheads I4 and have oppositely converging bottom inclined sheet portions 15 which terminate at bottom discharge outlet adapters generally indicated by the numeral 16. The bottom outlet adapters are conventional.

Hopper compartments 21 at opposite ends of the car, are also defined between the arcuate side sheets 11 and are enclosed between bulkheads l8 and end slope sheets which together converge and terminate at a bottom discharge l6. Slope sheets 20 include, at their upper end, a vertical section 26 which adjoins the top sheet 12.

Spaced apart hatch members 22 are provided along the top sheet 12 on the center line of the car and provide access to the interior of the hopper compartments. Suitable ladders 23 and running boards 24 are also provided to facilitate inspection and loading of the car.

Side sills generally indicated by the numeral 25 extend the entire length of the car along the lower or marginal edge of the side sheets. Side sills 25 are in the form of an angle having vertical leg 37 and shortened inwardly depending horizontal leg 38. As seen in FIG. 6, side sheet 11 is joined to the interior of legs 37 and 38 by welding to provide stiffening for the car structure. The side sills terminate at end sill 44 which extend transversely of the car.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the end support structure is designated by the numeral 46. A bolster assembly 27 includes an arcuate wrap sheet 28 having its inner edge 29 intersecting and secured to the end slope sheet. Wrap sheet 28 extends in a general U-shape between opposite side sheets 11. The opposite terminal edges 31 of the wrap sheet are generally horizontal and are affixed to the interior of the side sheet at the approximate vertical center line of the car.

The bottom cover plate 30 of the bolster 27 is secured at opposite legs 38 of the side sills 25. Web plates 54 and 56 extend between the wrap sheet and the side sheet and bolster cover plate 30 respectively. The bolster structure also includes shear plates 33 extending diagonally between the side sills and wrap sheet 28 at opposite sides of the car. stiffening is further provided by gusset plates 34 extending between the wrap sheet and the bottom cover plate 30. Side bearing members 35, in the form of U-shaped pads, project from the underside of plate to serve as bearing members to stabilize the car against lateral rocking.

A draft sill assembly is supported in the bolster assembly and includes rear draft lug member 43. Center plate 41 is secured to the lower bolster plate 30 as part of the draft sill assembly 40. Since these components are conventional they are not, for clarity of illustration, shown in detail. Draft sill assembly 40 is adapted to receive a conventional draft gear and coupler structure. The car is supported by truck assemblies 45 at the front and rear of the car.

End structure 46 further includes a series of transverse vertical diaphragm plates 47, 48 and 49. Diaphragm plates 47, 48 and 49, are each generally semicircular and extend transversely of the car having an upper horizontal edge 50 secured to the end slope sheet 20. Arcuate peripheral edges 51 are welded to the interior of the wrap sheet 28. Three diaphragm plates are shown at each end of the car arranged with sheets 47 and 49 aligned over the truck axle center lines and the intermediate baffle 48 disposed over the center plate 41. In order to reduce the weight of the structure and to facilitate access during assembly, two symmetrical, generally triangular cutouts 52 are provided in plate 47 and circular holes 62 are provided in plate 48. Vertical and diagonally arranged angles 65 and 66 are welded to the rear of plate 47 to provide structural stiffening. A frame including end sill 44 and vertical corner posts 55 extends between the slope sheet and the end sill at the car ends.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10, which show the method of the present invention, the fabrication of the hopper car is as follows:

Side sills 25 are first secured in place in parallel relationship in jig member by appropriate fixtures. The intermediate bulkheads 14 are arranged in place within side sills 25 as seen in FIG. 8 to partition the compartments.

End support structures 46 are separately fabricated as sub-assemblies. Each end structure is formed with the cylindrical wrap sheet 28 being sheared and bent into the arcuate shape. The inner edge 29 of the wrap sheet is sheared to conform to the slope sheet after bending. Slope sheet 20 is formed and welded in place to the edge of the wrap sheet plates. Diaphragm plates 47, 48 and 49 are formed as shown and are welded in place. The bolster assembly 27 is secured to the wrap sheet and slope sheet 20 with cutout 52 and 62 permitting a welder access to make the necessary joints. The bottom cover plate 30, gussets 34, shear plate 37, web plates 54 and 56, and bumpers 35, are welded in place. The draft sill assembly 40 is longitudinally aligned and secured in the bolster structure. Thus, the end support sub-assembly 27 can be easily fabricated as a modular unit separate and apart from the basic car structure. This allows economy of shop space and convenience of fabrication.

When the car body and end structure sub-assemblies are completed, they are joined by positioning the end support structures 27 in place within the side sills 25 in jig fixture 60 at opposite ends of the car. The opposite ends of plate 30 and gussets 33 are welded to the side sills. Stiffening plate 54 is secured in place. Prior to welding the sub-assemblies together, any relative adjustment to maintain proper tolerances and alignment can be made. For example, adjustment of the position of the end structure can be made to maintain the proper car height and length dimensions.

The final steps of fabrication are shown in FIG. 10. Top sheet 12 is secured to the vertical leg 26 of the end structures and to the upper edge of the bulkheads 14. The opposite side sheets 11 are joined to the end structures, intermediate bulkheads, and to the interior of leg 37 of the side sills. Top sill 32 is welded with portion 53 secured at the car interior at side sheet 11. Accessory items such as hatches 22 and gates 16 are added along with ladders, coupler, and wheel trucks to complete the car assembly.

Structurally it will be seen that the transverse baffle plates serve to reinforce the end slope sheets to resist longitudinal forces imposed by car buff and impact. The combination of the transverse baffle and the cylindrical wrap sheets'serve to distribute impact and buff loads to be reacted at the car side sheets. No concentrated high stress loadings result. The structure composed of the transverse baffle and the bolster assembly extending between opposite side sheets also serve to substantially stiffen the cylindrical outer shell of the hopper car to eliminate the requirement for additional structural members.

Thus, the present invention provides a hopper railway car construction which is simple and facilitates construction, particularly adaptable to modular construction of the sub-assemblies. The structure is highly efficient in resisting operational loads imposed on the car while being relatively simple, lightweight, and having a minimum of structural elements.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various changes, modifications, and alterations to the construction shown. It is intended that such changes are within the scope of the present invention and that the present invention be limited only by a fair interpretation of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of constructing a railway hopper car comprising:

placing opposite parallel side sill members in an assembly fixture;

placing at least one intermediate bulkhead in said fixture to define a transverse hopper wall; separately fabricating an end support sub-assembly including the steps of forming a bolster assembly having a lower cover plate and an upper generally arcuate wrap sheet, securing a plurality of spaced diaphragm plates extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said car to said wrap sheet at the lower edges of said diaphragm plates, and securing an inclined slope sheet to the upper edges of said diaphragm plates;

placing said end support sub-assembly in aligned relationship with said side sill members and securing said bolster assembly thereto; and

securing arcuate side sheet members longitudinally along said side sill members and at the transverse edges of said slope sheet to enclose said car.

2. The assembly method of claim 1 and further comcover plate. 

1. A method of constructing a railway hopper car comprising: placing opposite parallel side sill members in an assembly fixture; placing at least one intermediate bulkhead in said fixture to define a transverse hopper wall; separately fabricating an end support sub-assembly including the steps of forming a bolster assembly having a lower cover plate and an upper generally arcuate wrap sheet, securing a plurality of spaced diaphragm plates extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said car to said wrap sheet at the lower edges of said diaphragm plates, and securing an inclined slope sheet to the upper edges of said diaphragm plates; placing said end support sub-assembly in aligned relationship with said side sill members and securing said bolster assembly thereto; and securing arcuate side sheet members longitudinally along said side sill members and at the transverse edges of said slope sheet to enclose said car.
 2. The assembly method of claim 1 and further comprising joining a top sheet to the upper longitudinal edges of the side sheet members at a top sill, and placing manways in said top sheet at spaced intervals.
 3. The assembly method of claim 2 and further comprising attaching on said bolster assembly a center plate and a draft sill, respectively adapted for mounting of truck and coupler assemblies.
 4. The method of claim 1 and further comprising securing gusset plates between said lower cover plate and said wrap sheet, and securing vertically disposed web plates between the wrap sheet and the bolster lower cover plate. 